Universal Design in the workplace:

FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first). 

Summary of webinar: 

What is Universal Design?
Universal Design (UD) is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design).
It's not about retrofitting solutions for a few; it's about designing spaces where inclusion is simply built in from the start.

Why This Matters for Your Workplace
As Occupational Therapists, we bring a unique superpower to the table: we see the whole picture. We understand that workplaces aren't just physical spaces—they're dynamic interactions between people, their environments, and the work they do. Our training in assessing and treating physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, combined with our expertise in human engagement and participation, allows us to craft nuanced, practical solutions to workplace challenges both common and wonderfully unusual.

What You'll Discover in This Webinar
This webinar will unpack the concept of Universal Design in the context of the workplace and explore the impact of a universally designed environment on workplace wellbeing, inclusion and productivity. You'll learn how thoughtfully designed environments create better experiences for everyone.

The Universal Design Advantage
The best part is when you design universally, you're not just accommodating—you're elevating. Universal Design reduces the need for individualized reasonable accommodations by making participation easier for everyone. This means broader engagement, stronger inclusion, and more people thriving at work. Universal Design does not remove the need for specific accommodations for individuals with identified needs —UD works alongside them, not instead of them.

Leave Empowered
Walk away from this session equipped with:
•A clear, practical understanding of Universal Design principles
•Real, actionable strategies to influence inclusion, equality, and participation in your workplace
•A roadmap to resources and ongoing support for implementation

Presenter bios: 
Linda Horgan has over 35 years as an Occupational Therapist internationally, working with diverse populations including mental health, disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals.
In 2001 Linda opened her own private practice, specializing in accessible and universal design for built environments, home therapy, and fitness-to-drive assessments. The company has since expanded to cater for adults in private, corporate, state and 3rd level institutions, providing assessments and practical solutions to allow people live better tomorrow’s today.

Some of Linda’s key achievements include; designed neurodivergent-supportive spaces, developed UCC's universal design guidance, edited Ireland's Housing Design Guidelines for Occupational Therapists (2019), a UCC Teaching Excellence Award, Venice Biennale 2021, and an Eli-Lilly Global Health Service Award.

Sue Knight is a Senior Occupational Therapist with over 18 years’ experience in the areas of Mental Health and Wellness. Much of her early career was centred in acute psychiatry and in-patient group work. Over the years Sue has developed a special interest in supporting adult clients who identify as neurodivergent.
Sue divides her time between clinical work, supporting the id+ Futures program at UCC, delivering training workshops and providing clinical supervision.
Sue supports clients, their supervisors and their employers in working towards inclusion in the workplace. She is passionate about engaging with adults in their work environments where small changes have the potential for significant impact.

Chair: Janet O'Neill

FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.